Jackie Abrams is a contemporary basketry and fiber artist who counts Africa among her strong influences: "The fabrics, the colors, the cultures, the earth, and the people continue to impact the vessels I create."

A former inner-city school teacher, Jackie has been making baskets since 1975. Her interest in Africa has led her to work at Aba House in Ghana. Jackie also visited many basketmakers in Namibia, where her daughter is a Peace Corps volunteer.